Abstract: A modular drug delivery system for use by cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists for delivery of molecular and cellular therapies that target genes, molecules and peptides. The regulated drug delivery devices comprise a modular mechanically actuated drug delivery module (DDM) that can be attached to either a surgical viewing endoscope hand-piece or specialized catheter for interventional procedures. The DDM provides metering of drugs to treatment sites and allows for quick interchangeability with other component parts such as a viewing scope end portion for MIS or other surgical procedures or a flexible catheter shaft for percutaneous procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular clamp assembly. The vascular clamp assembly includes at least one bendable elongated shaft with a proximal part and distal part. A pair of clamping members are located at the distal part of the shaft. The clamp includes means for moving the clamping members between an open position and a clamping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular clamp assembly. The vascular clamp assembly includes at least one bendable elongated shaft with a proximal part and distal part. A pair of clamping members are located at the distal part of the shaft. The clamp includes means for moving the clamping members between an open position and a clamping position.

Abstract: A low profile unobtrusive occluder device is disclosed which is particularly applicable for occluding blood vessels in minimally invasive beating heart CABG surgical procedures, wherein relatively small surgical openings are provided. At least one flexible member is provided on the occluder, which is placed against the vessel. A suture thread is passed under the vessel to encompass the vessel between the occluder and suture thread. The suture thread is selectively attached to the occluder such that the flexible member, when deformed, applies continuous selected tension on the suture thread to apply a corresponding compression on the vessel which occludes the flow of blood. An applicator is attached to the occluder to enable installation thereof, but is detachable after installation such that only the low profile occluder remains on the heart surface during surgery. The applicator is re-attached to the occluder to facilitate removal of the latter.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a clamping device are disclosed, for tightening and securing a purse string suture used to seal the tissue around a cannula or a catheter or the like placed in a heart, major vessel or other tissue structure. The clamping device includes a compressible sleeve means solidly secured at a proximal end to a compression-applying means such as a clamp mechanism. A suture-pulling needle is inserted through a common lumen, whereby the trailing ends of the suture thread which forms the purse string suture may be pulled through the compressible sleeve means and clamp mechanism. Application of a force to the clamp mechanism while it is not locked to the trailing ends compresses the compressible sleeve means. Release of the clamp mechanism locks the enclosed trailing ends of the suture thread. The compressed sleeve means applies constant and precalibrated tension on the purse string suture to continuously maintain the seal about the cannula.

Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing device such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site.

Abstract: An automatic purse string suture device is disclosed that enables a surgeon to install a purse string suture in tissue structures, particularly for sealing the tissue about a cannula. The device is particularly suited for minimally invasive cardiothoracic procedures and is comprised of an applicator having an elongated structure with protrusions extending from the distal edge thereof. Also provided are means for advancing a needle through a passage to pass a suture through tissue that has been conformed to the distal edge of the device. Various means for conforming the tissue to the distal edge are disclosed as are methods for using the device to facilitate cardiothoracic surgery.